VICTORIA — This month’s jobs report shows the province has lost 9,500 private sector jobs since the Liberals launched their jobs plan two years ago, proving that the plan has been a failure, say New Democrats.

“The B.C. Liberal jobs plan is a failure. We’ve lost 9,500 private-sector jobs since it started two years ago, and it’s looking more like a jobs plan for Alberta,” said New Democrat finance critic Mike Farnworth.

The Statistics Canada labour force survey released Friday shows an increase in part-time jobs in British Columbia, but a dramatic loss of 10,000 full-time jobs. Farnworth said we need to do better for British Columbians who are struggling with the rising cost of living, stagnant wages, and a province where the gap between the wealthiest and poorest is the widest in the country.

“What we need are good, family-supporting jobs that will grow the economy, and stop the flow of skilled workers from the province,” said Farnworth. “Given the cost of living here, part-time work just doesn’t cut it for most people.”

In addition to being last in the country in private sector job creation, Farnworth added that B.C. is second-worst in Canada for workers leaving for other provinces, and leads the country in increasing consumer debt, while our wages are falling behind the Canadian average.

“British Columbians are counting on the government to keep its promise and create good jobs here. But instead, they have given us this failed jobs plan, spent millions advertising it purely for political gain, and continue to insist it’s working when the numbers show the opposite,” said Farnworth.

“No wonder people in this province have not been happy to hear about rising rates at ICBC, looming rate increases at B.C. Hydro, and the high cost of B.C. Ferries. We are all tired of being nickel-and-dimed by a government that is failing to create long-term prosperity.”

As a strong and principled opposition, New Democrats will hold the government to account for its election promises, and fight to protect the critical services we all depend on.

OPINION Editor, This is a busy time of year, but I find it’s also a time of reflection, particularly as January marks the end of my two-year term as Chair and my 10 years serving on the Board of Interior